This Is What You Need to Know…

You. Hey you! The younger Ellen. The one with no wrinkles or gray hair. The one that weighs a lot less and whose bones don’t ache. Yeah, you.

I’ve got a few years of experience under my belt now. Here’s what I’d tell you:

Don’t let fear control you. Don’t let it keep you from walking in holy confidence. You’re scared to speak in front of a room full of people? What’s the worse that could happen? They would laugh at you? That you would mess up, or stumble on your words? It’s ok, you’re human. You will make mistakes. Sometimes people will snicker at those mistakes. Does it really matter?

God’s not laughing at you. He’s happy that you’re being brave and getting out of your comfort zone. He’s happy that you are relying on Him to strengthen you and provide the words you need. He loves you more than anything, and wants you to depend on His power and not your own. Let Him be your Abba Father.

You’re scared to take that hike up to the edge of the cliff? You’re scared of the hurricane force winds that are blowing? You’re scared of taking that cruise, driving that highway or flying on that plane? What’s the worse that could happen? You could die. And because you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus as your Savior, you’d go to heaven. I know it’s hard for you to see now, when you’re young and just beginning your life, but dying and going to heaven isn’t all that bad. There is no more crying or pain in heaven. Besides, the Lord put you here. When it’s your time, He will take you home. Don’t live recklessly, but don’t let fear rob you of a sense of adventure.

The Bible repeatedly says not to fear or be afraid. Don’t fear the things of this world or your circumstances, fear God.

“Behold the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness…He is our help and shield.”Psalm 3:18, 20b

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.”Psalm 34:7

He will help you, shield you and rescue you!

Don’t neglect your relationship with Christ. He knew you before He formed you in Mama’s womb. He has a plan and a purpose for you. Don’t waste precious years living your way and neglecting Him. You wouldn’t do that to your earthly Mama and Daddy, would you? You wouldn’t just run off and make a life without them. They are your parents. In the same way, don’t neglect your Heavenly Father. He loves you so much He sent His Son to die for all those sins of yours. Jesus died for you. You live for Him.

I’m sorry to be so hard on you. I can look back and see all the wrong turns, all the mistakes, all the time you wasted. I see that you didn’t live the abundant life God gave you. But here’s what else I see:

I need you so that I can see my younger self – warts and all. I need to see the mistakes you’ve made so I can see how God has worked in our life. And I know this: God doesn’t waste anything. He will use all our mistakes for good. He will use them all for His glory, for His story.

Now, how are you going to live? Don’t make me come back here in ten or fifteen years and fuss at you again!

Comments

Gosh, I love this, Ellen! If only we really could tell ourselves this when needed, lol. Oh, the things I would tell my younger self. But it’s wonderful to know God will use it ALL to weave our story even more beautifully.
The line I love to bits : “… don’t let fear rob you of a sense of adventure.” Yes!
Living for Him, your sister from #livefreeThursday and Beloved Brews 🙂

What a great note to your younger self! And you must’ve been talking to me too — because I tend to have issues with fear too. I got chills when you said not to let fear rob you of your sense of adventure. I really needed that.

Oh, Claresa! I am 56 years old, and it wasn’t until almost 4 years ago that I stopped letting fear control me! It took my Mom’s death, and me realizing that life is too short, before I let that fear go! Praise God! Don’t let it control you!! Thanks so much for stopping by!

I love, love, love seeing people find freedom from fear! As I read, I found myself giving speeches too. And to the old me – or I guess that would be the young me! – it’s “Angela, quit thinking the bondage comes in serving Jesus. Don’t be afraid of surrender. That’s where the freedom is!”

Thank you Suzie! I’m so thankful that Christ can use all my messes and the times I was too fearful to step out in faith, for His glory! You’re right: don’t EVER let fear stop you! Times a wastin’! He’s got us covered!

Ellen, thank you for stopping by blog yesterday. It was so good to meet you and I have to ask exactly where in South Louisiana you live. I grew up in Evangeline Parish and have also lived in Alex, New Iberia and Houma and have family in Lafayette and Marksville. I so enjoyed reading your letter to your younger self. It is that younger me who even though perhaps rebellious, that God used to develop the current me. I need to be able to forgive her more though, I think.

Ellen, I love this! I was just thinking last week about what I’d say to my younger self. Funny that you would write the same thing. I guess as we age, we think about such things. Great post. I enjoyed reading it. Visiting from the Weekend Brew.

Hi Mary! Thanks for dropping in. Yes, as I creep up in age, I tend to think about all my younger self should have known! Thank you for your comments, I enjoy hearing them! Hey, let me know when you post your letter to your younger self!

Sometimes don’t you wish you’d known at 30 what you know now? I’m 51 (this May), so I’m right behind you Ellen. I wonder what our 70 year old selves would say? Letting go of fear and being more adventuresome is a great way to grow older!

I love this and I love seeing you at The Weekend Brew. A letter to your younger self is a great way to reflect on life lived but also a way to make the most of all that is to come. Have a blessed weekend!

Such affirming words–“Don’t fear the things of this world or your circumstances, fear God.” This is exactly the message God is speaking to my heart today, from every direction. Thanks, Ellen, for allowing us to read your letter to your younger self. So encouraging…so full of hope.

Your wisdom encourages my soul Ellen. Thank you for speaking fearlessness into my heart. It doesn’t matter what others think; it matters what God thinks. I celebrate you for being one to speak these things and to be brave enough to walk fearlessly. Go Ellen Go! I cheer your words from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.

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